Assistant Technical Advisor

Careers On The Thames; Gravesend; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

Onsite parking with electric charging

Occupational Health access

Cycle to Work Scheme

MyGymDiscounts

Job summary

The Port of London Authority, headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, seeks an Assistant Technical Advisor to support the Environment team in achieving environmental goals for the tidal Thames. You will assist with field surveys and coordinate diverse technical tasks across air quality, water quality and ecology.

Based in Gravesend with travel along the river, the role offers a chance to influence pollution prevention and river sustainability while developing expertise in environmental delivery for

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in an environmental field.
• Solid understanding of environmental considerations in water quality, air quality or ecology.
• Experience providing technical advice and coordinating projects.
• Knowledge of river and estuary ecosystems is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support Environment team efforts to achieve environmental goals for the tidal Thames.
• Assist with planning and conducting environmental field surveys.
• Contribute to successful delivery of projects and cross-disciplinary coordination.

Skills

Environmental field expertise

Water quality knowledge

Air quality knowledge

Ecology understanding

Technical advisory experience

Project coordination

Strong written communication

River/estuary ecosystem awareness

Education

Environmental degree or equivalent

Job description

Reporting to: Senior Advisor (Technical & Projects)

Grade: 9

Salary: £36,721 per annum

Base: The Port of London Authority is headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, which will serve as the primary base for this role, with a secondary office located in central London. The position will also require travel across the full extent of the river as required to meet work responsibilities.

Closing date: 5th October 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: 14th & 19th October 2026

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The Port of London Authority is dedicated to protecting and improving the tidal Thames for future generations. Our 2050 Vision for the Thames is of a clean, thriving river, free of sewage and other pollutants, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. The Environment team plays a key role in turning this vision into reality, driving the actions needed to create a thriving and sustainable river.

The role:

As an Assistant Technical Advisor, you will play an essential role in supporting the Environment team’s efforts to achieve our environmental goals for the tidal Thames. Working alongside lead technical advisors in air quality, water quality, and ecology, you will provide support across a variety of technical tasks, assist with planning and conducting environmental field surveys, and contribute to the successful delivery of projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of environmental issues and make a tangible impact on the sustainability of the UK’s largest port.

The Port of London Authority is headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, which will serve as the primary base for this role. However, the position will require travel across the full extent of the river as required to meet work responsibilities.

What we are looking for:

The successful candidate will be degree (or equivalent) educated in an environmental field. You will have a solid understanding of environmental considerations particularly in water quality, air quality, or ecology, alongside experience providing technical advice and coordinating projects. Strong written communication, interpersonal skills, and a good understanding of river and estuary ecosystems are essential, as is a willingness to learn about the specific challenges within the port.

Experience with the consenting process for marine infrastructure projects, including experience with assessments under the Water Framework Directive or Habitat Regulations, is highly desirable.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.